A Return to the Prairie
The implementation of a Nature Area Project at the Loess Hills AEA's Halverson Center for Education converted a portion of the Center's land into a prairie. Phase I of the Nature Area Project has already begun with the spraying of 5.1 acres to rid current vegetation to prepare for the planting of grasses and wildflowers native to the area.

The Nature Area Project was implemented through a $5,000 ISTEA (Intermodel Surface Transport Efficiency Act) grant from Trees Forever and Iowa's Living Roadways Trust Fund. "The purpose of the prairie project is to honor our heritage and our namesake, and to provide a teaching and learning center for the 35,000 students served by AEA 13," said Dr. Jim Blietz, chief administrator. As additional funds are acquired, the project will proceed with Phases II and III which will incorporate a forest arboretum and wetlands.

The Halverson Center for Education is located six miles east of Council Bluffs on Highway 92. The roadside prairie habitat will be highly visible to the public, a requirement of the grant. The Nature Area Project is made possible through the efforts of the Loess Hills AEA, Trees Forever, Pottawattamie County Conservation Board and the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Conceptual Statement/Mission

• To provide an educational setting for the teaching of prairie, forest and marsh communities.
• To create a reconstructed roadside prairie habitat, highly visible to the general public.
• To establish wildlife habitat, beneficial to all forms of wildlife.
• To accomplish all of the goals listed above for all schools and general public included in the Area 13 Southwest Iowa region.
• Reduce maintenance budget on an annual basis.